U.S. patent application number 15/457856 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-14 for long-term therapeutic pressure applicator and real-time monitoring system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel Paul Armbrust, Robert James Grabon. Invention is credited to Daniel Paul Armbrust, Robert James Grabon.
Application Number | 20170258662 15/457856 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59787648 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170258662 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Armbrust; Daniel Paul ; et
al. |
September 14, 2017 |
Long-Term Therapeutic Pressure Applicator and Real-Time Monitoring
System
Abstract
This invention pertains to a therapeutic pressure applicator
with a sensor and transceiver worn by a patient during daily
activity to apply pressure to a specific body part during long term
treatment, and used in a system with a device such as a cell phone
to receive and display real-time pressure data to alert the patient
and physician when the pressure is outside a desired range. The
applicator includes a securement member and a pressure adjusting
device with a pressure adjusting dial, pressure sensing component,
pressure focusing plate and cushion. Rotating the dial retracts or
extends the sensing component, focusing plate and cushion. The
applicator has a computer module with a CPU, memory, transceiver,
power source and a force sensor. The focusing plate aligns a
pressure button into pressed engagement with the sensor to transmit
real-time focused pressure data to the CPU, which converts the
focused data into real-time cushion pressure data. The transceiver
periodically communicates the long-term, real-time cushion pressure
data to the cell phone that displays and stores the data.
Inventors: |
Armbrust; Daniel Paul;
(Mequon, WI) ; Grabon; Robert James; (Cedarburg,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Armbrust; Daniel Paul
Grabon; Robert James |
Mequon
Cedarburg |
WI
WI |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59787648 |
Appl. No.: |
15/457856 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62389859 |
Mar 11, 2016 |
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62493154 |
Jun 24, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2005/0188 20130101;
A61H 2201/5097 20130101; A61C 7/065 20130101; A61H 2201/0184
20130101; A61H 2201/0192 20130101; A61C 7/14 20130101; A61H
2201/165 20130101; A61H 2201/1695 20130101; A61B 5/4848 20130101;
A61H 2201/5061 20130101; A61C 19/04 20130101; A61H 2205/04
20130101; A61H 2201/5043 20130101; A61F 5/32 20130101; A61F
2005/0155 20130101; A61H 7/001 20130101; A61B 5/6843 20130101; A61F
5/01 20130101; A61H 2205/025 20130101; A61F 2005/0172 20130101;
A61H 2201/1207 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61H 1/00 20060101
A61H001/00; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00 |
Claims
1. A therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device for
applying pressure to a part of a human body, the therapeutic
pressure applicator and monitoring device comprising: a securement
member adapted to secure to the part of the human body, said
securement member having a securement bracket with a rear side
facing toward the part of the human body, a front side facing away
from the part of the human body and a bracket opening between said
front and rear sides; a pressure adjusting mechanism having a
pressure dial positioned on said front side of said securement
member and a pressure sensing component positioned on said rear
side of said securement member, said sensing component having a
main body with front and rear main body surfaces, a mounting rim
extending rearwardly from said rear main body surface and a
threaded post extending forward from said front main body surface
and through said bracket opening, said pressure dial having an
interior threaded opening in threaded engagement with said threaded
post, said pressure dial being selectively rotatable about said
post to move said sensing component along a path of travel between
retracted and extended positions relative to said securement
bracket; a computer module and power source held by and enclosed in
said pressure adjusting mechanism, said module having a processor,
memory and transceiver connected by an internal circuitry, and said
processor and transceiver being in electrical powered communication
with said power source; a force sensor positioned along said rear
main body surface of said sensing component and being in electrical
sensing communication with said processor; a pressure focusing
plate having front and rear sides, said plate rear side having a
predetermined rear surface area, said focusing plate being held by
said mounting rim of said sensing component with said front side
positioned in registry over said rear main body surface; said front
side having a pressure focusing structure forming a contact zone,
said contact zone being smaller than said predetermined rear
surface area, and said contact zone being aligned over and in force
transmitting engagement with said sensor; and, a cushion having
front and rear cushion surfaces, said front cushion surface being
secured to said rear side of said focusing plate, and said rear
cushion surface being adapted to apply the applied pressure to the
part of the human body.
2. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 1, and wherein said pressure focusing structure is a central
button with a curved surface.
3. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 2, and wherein said sensing component has a main body
perimeter and said focusing plate has a focusing plate perimeter,
and said mounting rim extends from said main body perimeter and
circumferentially engages said focusing plate perimeter.
4. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 3, and wherein said mounting rim has an inwardly facing
radial notch, and said focusing plate perimeter is held by said
radial notch.
5. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 4, and wherein said contact zone has a predetermined area,
and said radial notch is sized and spaced from said main body front
surface to provide a radial gap between said radial notch and said
focusing plate perimeter, said radial gap allowing said focusing
plate to pivot about said curved surface of said button while
maintaining said predetermined area of said contact zone.
6. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 5, and wherein said sensor is a force-sensing sensor that
changes its resistance when a force is applied to a surface of said
sensor.
7. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 6, and wherein said main body rear surface has a recess with
a recess surface, and said sensor is positioned in said recess
against said rear recess surface.
8. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 1, and wherein said threaded post, force sensor and button
are in substantially linear alignment.
9. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 8, and wherein said opening in said securement bracket is
centrally located and forms a central axis for said pressure
adjusting mechanism, and wherein said dial, sensor, button and
cushion each have a center located on said central axis.
10. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 1, and wherein said power source is a battery and said dial
has an internal compartment, said threaded post has a top surface,
said battery is held by said top surface in said internal
compartment, said computer module is held by said main body of said
sensor component, said force sensor is secured to a pressure gauge,
and said pressure gauge is held by said main body of said sensing
component.
11. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 1, and wherein the therapeutic pressure applicator and
monitoring device is used in a monitoring system, and wherein said
focusing plate focuses the applied pressure into a focused load
applied by said contact zone onto said sensor, and said sensor
communicates real-time focused pressure data to said processor, and
said processor converts said focused pressure data to real-time
cushion pressure data and stores said real-time cushion pressure
data in said memory of said computer module.
12. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 11, and wherein said monitoring system further comprises a
second device with a processor, memory, transceiver and display
screen, and wherein said processor of said therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring device transmits said real-time cushion
pressure data to said processor of said second device, and said
processor of said second device displays said real-time cushion
pressure data on said display screen and stores said real-time
cushion pressure data in its said memory.
13. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 11, and wherein said pressure dial has an internal chamber
and an interior surface with geared teeth, and said chamber
contains a motor with a drive sprocket in rotatable driving
engagement with said geared teeth, said processor contains
predetermined desired pressure range data, said motor is in
electric communication with said processor, and said processor is
programmed to activate said motor and rotate said dial when said
real-time cushion pressure data is outside said predetermined
pressure range.
14. A therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device to
apply an applied pressure to a body part of a person wearing
treatment gear for long-term pressure treatment of the body part,
the treatment gear having an inside surface adapted to engage the
body part, and the inside surface having at least one securement
recess, the therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device
comprising: a pressure adjusting mechanism having a housing and a
sensing component, said housing having a base and a threaded
rearward tube, said base having front and rear surfaces, said
sensing component having a main body, a threaded outer tube forming
a forward tube and a rearward radial mounting rim, said main body
having front and rear main body surfaces, said rearward and forward
tubes being in mated threaded engagement, said housing and sensing
component forming an interior chamber, and said sensing component
being rotatable relative to said housing to move said sensing
component along a path of travel between retracted and extended
positions relative to said base of said housing; a computer module
and power source held by said pressure adjusting mechanism in said
interior chamber, said module having a processor, memory and
transceiver connected by an internal circuitry, and said processor
and transceiver being in electrical powered communication with said
power source; a force sensor positioned along said rear main body
surface of said sensing component and being in electrical sensing
communication with said processor; a pressure focusing plate having
front and rear sides, said plate rear side having a predetermined
rear surface area, said focusing plate being held by said radial
mounting rim of said sensing component with said front side
positioned in registry over said rear main body surface; said front
side having a pressure focusing structure forming a contact zone,
said contact zone being smaller than said predetermined rear
surface area, and said contact zone being aligned over and in force
transmitting engagement with said sensor; and, a cushion having
front and rear cushion surfaces, said front cushion surface being
secured to said rear side of said focusing plate, and said rear
cushion surface being adapted to apply the applied pressure to the
body part of the person.
15. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 14, and wherein said pressure focusing structure is a central
button with a curved surface.
16. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 15, and wherein said sensing component has a main body
perimeter and said focusing plate has a focusing plate perimeter,
and said mounting rim extends from said main body perimeter and
circumferentially engages said focusing plate perimeter.
17. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 16, and wherein said mounting rim has an inwardly facing
radial notch, and said focusing plate perimeter is held by said
radial notch.
18. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 17, and wherein said contact zone has a predetermined area,
and said radial notch is sized and spaced from said main body front
surface to provide a radial gap between said radial notch and said
focusing plate perimeter, said radial gap allowing said focusing
plate to pivot about said curved surface of said button while
maintaining said predetermined area of said contact zone.
19. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 18, and wherein said sensor is a force-sensing sensor that
changes its resistance when a force is applied to a surface of said
sensor.
20. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 14, and wherein said base of said housing, main body of said
sensing component, focusing plate and cushion each have a circular
perimeter, and wherein said rearward tubular column extends
rearwardly from said perimeter of said base, said forward extending
tubular column extends forwardly from said perimeter of said main
body, and said housing, sensing component, focusing plate and
cushion combine to form a disc-shaped structure.
21. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 14, and wherein said rearward threaded surface of said
housing is an inside surface of said rearward tubular column, and
said forward threaded surface of said sensing component is an
outside surface of said forward tubular column.
22. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 14, and wherein the therapeutic pressure applicator and
monitoring device is used in a monitoring system, and wherein said
focusing plate focuses the applied pressure into a focused load
applied by said contact zone onto said sensor, and said sensor
communicates real-time focused pressure data to said processor, and
said processor converts said focused pressure data to real-time
cushion pressure data and stores said real-time cushion pressure
data in said memory of said computer module.
23. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 14, and wherein said monitoring system further comprises a
second device with a processor, memory, transceiver and display
screen, and wherein said processor of said therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring device transmits said real-time cushion
pressure data to said processor of said second device, and said
processor of said second device displays said real-time cushion
pressure data on said display screen and stores said real-time
cushion pressure data in its said memory.
24. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device of
claim 14, and wherein said pressure dial has an internal chamber
and an interior surface with geared teeth, and said chamber
contains a motor with a drive sprocket in rotatable driving
engagement with said geared teeth, said processor contains
predetermined desired pressure range data, said motor is in
electric communication with said processor, and said processor is
programmed to activate said motor and rotate said dial when said
real-time cushion pressure data is outside said predetermined
pressure range.
25. Pressure treatment gear for applying and monitoring applied
pressure to a body part of a person, the pressure treatment gear
comprising: gear worn by the person on the body part for long-term
pressure treatment of the body part, said gear having an inside
surface adapted to engage the body part, and said inside surface
having at least one securement recess; a pressure adjusting
mechanism having a housing and a sensing component, said housing
having a base and a threaded rearward tube, said base having front
and rear surfaces, said sensing component having a main body, a
threaded outer tube forming a forward tube and a rearward radial
mounting rim, said main body having front and rear main body
surfaces, said rearward and forward tubes being in mated threaded
engagement, said housing and sensing component forming an interior
chamber, and said sensing component being rotatable relative to
said housing to move said sensing component along a path of travel
between retracted and extended positions relative to said base of
said housing; a computer module and power source held by said
pressure adjusting mechanism in said interior chamber, said module
having a processor, memory and transceiver connected by an internal
circuitry, and said processor and transceiver being in electrical
powered communication with said power source; a force-sensing
sensor positioned along said rear main body surface of said sensing
component and being in electrical sensing communication with said
processor; a pressure focusing plate having front and rear sides
and a perimeter, said plate rear side having a predetermined rear
surface area, said focusing plate being held by said mounting rim
of said sensing component with said front side positioned in
registry over said rear main body surface; said front side having a
pressure focusing structure forming a contact zone, said contact
zone being smaller than said predetermined rear surface area, and
said contact zone being aligned over and in force transmitting
engagement with said sensor; and, a cushion having front and rear
cushion surfaces, said front cushion surface being secured to said
rear side of said focusing plate, and said rear cushion surface
being adapted to apply the applied pressure to the body part of the
person.
26. A worn system for monitoring and adjusting an applied pressure
exerted on a person, comprising: pressure treatment gear worn by
the person having a pressure adjusting mechanism adapted to exert
the applied pressure on the person, said pressure adjusting
mechanism having a sensor configured to collect real-time pressure
signal data associated with the applied pressure at preset time
intervals; a local monitoring device having a display screen; a
first processing circuitry disposed in the pressure adjusting
mechanism and configured to: collect the pressure signal data;
process the pressure signal data into processed pressure data;
transmit the processed pressure data; and, a second processing
circuitry disposed in the local monitoring device and configured
to: receive the processed pressure data; display the processed
pressure data on the display screen; compare the processed pressure
data with a pressure range criteria; and, trigger an alarm if the
processed pressure data is not within the desired pressure range
criteria.
27. The worn system for monitoring and adjusting an applied
pressure of claim 26, and wherein the sensor disposed in said
pressure adjusting mechanism and configured to collect real-time
pressure signal data associated with the applied pressure is a
force-sensing sensor configures to collect focused pressure signal
data at preset time intervals.
28. The worn system for monitoring and adjusting an applied
pressure of claim 26, and wherein the pressure adjusting mechanism
includes a motor capable of increasing and decreasing the applied
pressure, and the first processing circuitry is further configured
to: compare the processed pressure data with a pressure range
criteria; activate the motor if the processed pressure data is
below the desired pressure range criteria to increase the applied
pressure; and, activate the motor if the processed pressure data is
above the desired pressure range criteria to decrease the applied
pressure.
29. A system for monitoring and adjusting an applied pressure
exerted by a pressure applicator device worn by a person during
long-term pressure therapy, comprising: means for collecting
real-time pressure data corresponding to the applied pressure
applied by a pressure applicator device; means for transmitting
said real-time pressure data to a second device with a display
screen and predetermined pressure range data; means for collecting
said real-time pressure data on said second device; means for
displaying said real-time pressure data on said display screen;
means for comparing said real-time pressure data to said
predetermined pressure range data; means for triggering an alarm on
said second device if said real-time pressure data is outside said
predetermined pressure range data; and, wherein if an alarm is
triggered, means for rotatably adjusting the pressure applicator to
adjust the applied pressure until said real-time pressure data is
within said predetermined pressure range data.
30. The system for monitoring and adjusting an applied pressure of
claim 29, and wherein said means for collecting real-time cushion
pressure data includes means for collecting focused cushion
pressure data, and means for converting said focused cushion
pressure data into real-time cushion pressure data.
31. The system for monitoring and adjusting an applied pressure of
claim 29, and wherein the pressure applicator device includes a
motor means adapted to adjust the applied pressure when selectively
activated and adapted to stop adjusting the applied pressure when
selectively deactivated, and wherein said means for adjusting the
applied pressure is a means for activating said motor means until
real-time cushion pressure is within said predetermined pressure
range and a means for deactivating said motor means when the
real-time-cushion pressure data is within said predetermined
pressure range.
32. The system for monitoring and adjusting an applied pressure of
claim 29, and further including means for transmitting said
real-time pressure data from said second device to a third device
associated with the treating physician.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a therapeutic pressure applicator
worn by a patient during normal daily activity to apply pressure to
a specific body part and obtain real-time pressure data during
long-term medical treatment, and used in a system including a
device such as a cell phone to receive and display the pressure
data to alert the patient and treating physician when the pressure
is outside a desired range.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Medical devices to apply compression or tension to the head,
neck, torso, arm or other body part of a patient are well known.
Conventional blood pressure monitors are secured to the arm, and
inflate and deflate to determine blood pressure. Examples of these
monitors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,690 to O'Connor, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,054,494 to Lazzara, U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,790 to Brooks,
U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,465 to Lunak and U.S. Pat. No. 9,289,136 to
Addison. Back braces are secured to the torso to apply pressure to
specific portions of the spine to treat disorders involving the
curvature of the spine such as scoliosis. Examples of back braces
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,101 to Gold, U.S. Pat. No.
5,840,051 to Towsley and U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,552 to Thibeault.
Orthodontic headgear treats bite disorders and properly align teeth
by applying force to the teeth. Examples of headgear are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,934 to Armstrong and U.S. Pat. No. 8,640,710
to Matthews. The Reza neck band applies pressure to the esophagus
of a patient suffering from reflux disorders, and is disclosed in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/702,258 to Reza Shaker, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. While some
devices such as blood pressure monitors or traction in a hospital
bed require patients to remain immobile, other devices such as back
braces, orthodontic headgear and the Reza neck band allow mobility
so patients live relatively normal ambulatory lives during
treatment. These ambulatory devices are secured to the patient by
their treating physician. The physician ensures the device is
properly applied to the patient and sets the device to apply a
desired amount of force or pressure. The patient then wears the
device at home and during daily activities, and returns to the
physician at scheduled weekly or monthly intervals until the
treatment is completed.
[0003] The Reza band 10 is secured to the neck 7 of a person 5 to
apply pressure to his or her upper esophageal sphincter as shown in
FIGS. 1A-D. The Reza band 10 includes a neck band 11 with a curved,
semi-flexible strap bracket 12. The strap bracket 12 has a central
recess 13, front and rear surfaces 14 and 15, a central opening 17
and opposed lateral ends 18. The rear surface 15 of the strap
bracket 12 has two spaced slots 15a. The common center of the
central recess 13 and opening 17 forms a centerline 19 for the
device 10. A flexible strap 21 is secured to each lateral end 18 to
fit the device 10 to the neck 7 of a patient 5. One end 22 of the
strap 21 is secured by a selectively adjustable Velcro fastener 23,
and its other end 26 is secured by a non-adjustable rigid clip
fastener 27.
[0004] The Reza band 10 includes a compression mechanism 30 with a
pressure dial 31, a pressure plate 51 and a cushion 61. The dial 31
has a knob 32 formed by an outer shell 34 with a generally
hemispherical shape that forms an interior chamber 35. The rear end
of the knob 32 forms a rim 37 with inwardly extending tabs. The
dial 31 also has a circular base 42 that is flushly and rotatably
received by the circular recess 13 of the strap bracket 12. The
circular base 42 has a flat rear surface and a central opening 45
with a threaded sidewall 46. The rear surface of the base 42
rotatingly engages the flat surface of the bracket recess 13.The
rim of the knob 32 is firmly joined to a rim 47 of the base 42. The
rim 47 has tabs that mate with the knob tabs so that the knob 32
and base 42 rotate in unison.
[0005] The pressure plate 51 has front and rear surfaces 52 and 53,
and a thickness of about 0.125 inches. The plate 51 has a generally
rectangular shape with a width of about 1.125 inches and length of
about 1.625 inches. A thin rectangular shaped Velcro strip fastener
54 is secured to the rear surface 52. A central post or stem 55
with a threaded sidewall 56 extends from the front surface 53 a
distance of about 0.375 inches. The stem has a diameter of about
0.25 inches. The stem 55 extends unobstructedly through the larger
diameter, unthreaded bracket opening 17, with its threaded sidewall
56 in mating threaded engagement with the threaded sidewall 46 of
the dial base opening 45. Two mounting and anti-rotation posts 57
are located proximal the longitudinal edges of the plate 51 and
straddle the central stem 55. The posts 57 extend forward from its
front surface 52, and are flushly received by the bracket slots
15a. The posts 57 have shoulders 57a that form a limit stop to
limit the retracting movement of the plate 51. A washer 58 is
secured by a screw fastener 59 to the front or top surface of the
stem 55. The diameter of the washer 58 is larger than the dial base
opening 45 to form an additional limit stop to prevent the
overextension of the pressure plate 51 into the neck 7 of the
patient 5.
[0006] The cushion 61 is secured by a Velcro strip 65 to the rear
surface 53 of the pressure plate 51. The cushion 61 is relatively
soft and deformable to conform to the shape of the front portion of
the neck 7 and throat of the patient 5 and alleviate any
uncomfortable pinch points between the pressure plate 51 and the
soft tissue of the neck 7. The Velcro strip fastener 65 allows for
the removal of the cushion 61 so it can be periodically washed or
replaced during the use of the band 10.
[0007] The treating physician secures the Reza band 10 to the
patient 5 in two steps. First, with the clip 27 secured to the
bracket 12, the treating physician selectively positions and
secures the Velcro fastener 23 to achieve an approximate pressure
close to the desired pressure on the throat or esophagus of the
patient 5. Second, the physician uses the pressure dial 31 to set
the device 10 to the desired or prescribed pressure. Rotating the
pressure dial 31 in one direction increases pressure on the
esophagus by causing the threaded central stem 55 and pressure
plate 51 to move longitudinally along a path of travel 70 away from
the bracket 12 and toward the neck 7 to an increased pressure
position 71 as best shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D. The strap bracket 12
flexes slightly. The plate guide posts 57 remain in flush
engagement inside bracket slots 15a. Rotating the pressure dial 31
in an opposite direction decreases pressure on the esophagus by
causing the threaded central stem 55 and pressure plate 51 to move
longitudinally along the path of travel 70 toward the strap bracket
12 and away from the neck 7 and into a decreased pressure position
72.
[0008] The treating physician uses a separate pneumatic gauge 80 to
determine the pressure of the Reza band 10 on the throat or neck 7.
This gauge 80 includes a pressure gauge 81, an inflatable pad 85
and a connecting tube 86. After the Velcro strap fastener 23 is
secured and the pressure dial 31 is rotated to obtain and set
pressure, the physician removes the pressure pad 75. The pneumatic
gauge 80 remains at the office of the physician, and does not go
home with the patient. During the use of the band 10, the patient 5
should use the rigid clip 27 to remove and reattach the band when
bathing, or for formal occasions, physical activity, etc. By using
the clip 27, the patient 5 does not inadvertently alter the
prescribed pressure of the device 10.
[0009] A problem with conventional medical devices that apply force
or pressure to a patient is that they do not display the actual
force or pressure being applied. Between periodic physician visits,
the pressure can deviate from the desired or prescribed amount. For
example, the device can slide or shift up or down on the patient,
the patient can lose or gain weight, experience swelling or become
dehydrated, which can cause the applied force or pressure to
increase or decrease. The patient has no accurate way to tell how
much the pressure has deviated from that set desired amount. A
patient can only guess based on his or her past recollection of how
the device felt several hours, days, weeks or months before.
Gradual increases or decreases over time can go unnoticed. Without
realizing it, the patient can allow the device to gradually
increase or decrease to an improper or even potentially harmful
setting. In other situations, the patient will incorrectly believe
the force or pressure has changed and is now too loose or tight,
when the force or pressure has not changed. The patient will then
improperly adjust the device to increase or decrease the force or
pressure to an improper or harmful setting.
[0010] Another problem with conventional medical devices that apply
force or pressure to a patient is that they do not provide any
objective evidence to the physician regarding the use of the device
by the patient. The physician must rely on the patient to tell him
or her that the device was worn, when the device was worn, and if
the desired pressure was applied when the device was worn. Should
the patient forget these details or fail to accurately describe
these details, the physician may not be able to take the proper
course of action in treating the patient.
[0011] A further problem with conventional medical devices that
apply force or pressure is that they do not alert or warn the
patient when the pressure has increased or decreased outside a
medically desirable range.
[0012] A still further problem with conventional medical devices
that apply force or pressure to a patient is the imprecision in
setting the devices. For example, when the treating physician sets
a Reza neck band 10 to a desired pressure, the physician uses a
pressure gauge 80 with an inflated pneumatic pad 85 placed between
the band and the neck 7 of the patient 5 as shown in FIG. 1A. The
pressure applied by the band 10 against the esophagus is measured
with the pad 85 in place. Once the pressure is set, the physician
removes the pad 85, which stays at the office of the physician with
the pressure gauge 80. Yet, the inflated pad 85 has a significant
thickness. When the pad 85 is removed, the pressure exerted by the
band 10 on the esophagus decreases so that the actual pressure
applied by the band 10 to the neck 7 is unknown.
[0013] A still further problem with conventional medical devices
that apply force or pressure to a patient is that they have both a
pressure setting fastener and a quick release fastener. In devices
such as a Reza neck band 10, the pressure setting fastener includes
a Velcro strip 23 that is secured by the physician. The quick
release fastener 27 allows the patient to remove the device without
altering or adjusting the Velcro strip fastener 23 set by the
physician. The clip 27 allows the patient to temporarily remove the
device to do a particular activity such as take a bath, exercise,
go swimming or clean the device, and then reattach the device
without altering or adjusting the pressure setting of the Velcro
fastener 23. Unfortunately, a patient can forget which fastener is
which, and use the Velcro fastener 23 to take off the device. When
reattaching the device, the patient will then use his or her best
guess of the prescribed set pressure to reattach the device. This
leads to the application of an improper or even harmful pressure
setting.
[0014] A still further problem of conventional medical devices that
apply force or pressure is their bulkiness. Although the devices
are intended to allow patients to live relatively normal ambulatory
lives, they are large and cumbersome, and extend out from the body
so much that they become awkward to wear when doing normal
activities.
[0015] The present invention is intended to solve these and other
problems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] This invention pertains to a therapeutic pressure applicator
equipped with a sensor and transceiver worn by a patient during
normal daily activity to apply pressure to a specific body part
during long-term medical or therapeutic treatment, and used in a
system with a device such as a cell phone to receive and display
real-time pressure data to alert the patient and treating physician
when the pressure is outside a desired range. The applicator
includes a securement member and a pressure adjusting device with a
pressure adjusting dial, pressure control component, pressure
focusing plate and cushion. Rotating the dial retracts or extends
the control component, focusing plate and cushion. The applicator
has a computer module with a CPU, memory, transceiver, power source
and a force sensor. The focusing plate aligns a pressure button
into pressed engagement with the sensor to transmit real-time
focused pressure data, which the CPU converts into real-time
cushion pressure data. The transceiver periodically communicates
the long-term, real-time cushion pressure data to the cell phone to
display and store the data.
[0017] An advantage of the present therapeutic pressure applicator
and monitoring device and monitoring system is the monitoring
system displays the real-time cushion pressure being applied to the
patient. When the cushion pressure deviates from the desired amount
set by the physician, a device such as a cell phone will display
the real-time cushion pressure, and alert the patient that the
pressure has deviated or is not within a desired pressure range.
The patient does not have to guess the current pressure level based
on his or her past recollection of how the device felt. Gradual
increases or decreases over time are readily displayed. The display
of the real-time cushion pressure level also helps prevent the
patient from incorrectly believing the pressure has changed, when
in fact it has not changed.
[0018] Another advantage of the present therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring system is that the long-term, real-time
cushion pressure data can be readily stored and communicated to the
treating physician. The device and system provide the physician
with objective evidence regarding if the device was worn, when the
device was worn, and if the device was within the desired pressure
setting during the time it was worn.
[0019] A further advantage of the present therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring system is that it alerts or warns the
patient when the pressure has increased or decreased outside a
prescribed pressure range. This warning can be performed visually,
audibly, or otherwise. The screen of the cell phone or personal
computer is green when the real-time pressure is at a desired
level, and turns red when the real-time pressure is outside the
desired pressure setting or range. The cell phone or personal
computer can also sound an audible alarm to notify the patient of
the pressure deviation or potentially harmful situation.
[0020] A still further advantage of the therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring system is that the patient can use his or
her cell phone to transmit the data to the physician via the
wireless telecommunication to a phone or computer in the office of
the physician or use the personal computer of the patient to send
days, weeks or months or real-time cushion pressure data via a land
line, such as via an email with the attached data. The patient does
not need to schedule an appointment or drive to the office of the
physician to deliver the data. The physician and patient do not
need to remove the applicator to obtain the long-term, real-time
cushion pressure data.
[0021] A still further advantage of the therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring system is the adaptability and accuracy
of the real-time pressure readings gathered. The device includes a
focusing plate that collects the distributed pressure forces across
the cushion being pressed into the body of the patient and focuses
that force or pressure via a curved button on a small sensor
contact zone. This magnifies the sensitivity of the sensor so that
even slight variations in the pressure distribution can be
observed. The curved button is also free to rock or rotate slightly
so that an uneven cushion pressure distribution about the
centerline of the device does not change the size of the contact
zone, so the observed pressure by the sensor does not improperly
read an increase in pressure when none has occurred. The devices
adjusts to accommodated anomalies in the body surface such as a
scare, cyst or underlying bone or cartilage and still provides
accurate cushion pressure readings.
[0022] A still further advantage of the present therapeutic
pressure applicator and monitoring system is the ease of setting
the device to the desired pressure. The applied pressure of the
device is displayed as a real-time cushion pressure reading on the
screen of a corresponding device. The physician does not have to
insert and then remove a pressure gauge, such as one with an
inflated pneumatic pad, from between the applicator and the patient
so that the true applied pressure is not actually known.
[0023] A still further advantage of the present therapeutic
pressure applicator and monitoring system is that should the
patient inadvertently release the pressure setting fastener set by
the physician, such as the Velcro fastener in the Reza band, the
patient will be able to use the displayed real-time pressure
information to accurately reattach the device to the desired
pressure level prescribed and set by the physician. The patient
need not guess at the applied pressure level and need not schedule
a return visit to the physician to reset the pressure.
[0024] A still further advantage of the therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring system is the compact and light weight
construction of the pressure applicator and monitoring device. The
compact device allows the patients to go about their normal daily
lives with as little restriction as possible.
[0025] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent upon making reference to the specification, claims and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1A is an illustrated view of a conventional Reza neck
band secured to the neck of a patient with a detachable pneumatic
gauge and inflatable pad used by the treating physician to set the
pressure applied to the esophagus at a desired pressure level, and
an enlarged view showing the inflatable pad removed.
[0027] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the Reza band showing the
strap secured at one end of a semi-flexible strap bracket by a
Velcro fastener and unhooked from the other end by a quick release
clip fastener, the device components including the front pressure
dial, pressure plate and cushion, as well as the separate pneumatic
pad, air tube and pressure gauge.
[0028] FIG. 1C is a top view of the Reza band secured around the
neck of a patient and showing a cross-sectional view of the
pressure plate in a rearward position.
[0029] FIG. 1D is a top view of the Reza band secured around the
neck of a patient and showing a cross-sectional view of the
pressure plate advanced to a forward position to increase the
pressure applied to the neck and showing the flexing of the strap
bracket.
[0030] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the
present therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device with
the pressure dial partially cut away to show the power supply
secured to the central post of the pressure sensing component.
[0031] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the first embodiment showing
a pressure adjusting knob with an internal battery, pressure
sensing component with a computer module, memory and transceiver, a
pressure gauge with a force-sensing sensor, pressure focusing plate
with a central button aligned over the sensor, and cushion with its
Velcro securement strip, and further showing the conventional neck
band having a molded securement bracket with a strap secured at one
end to the bracket by a Velcro fastener and to the other end by a
by a clip.
[0032] FIG. 2C is a front view of the first embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment
shown in FIG. 2C taken along line 2D-2D, and showing the pressure
adjusting knob with an internal battery secured to a threaded
central post of the pressure sensing component, the central curved
button of the pressure focusing plate aligned in pressing
engagement with the pressure sensor secured in a recess of the
sensing component, the cushion, and the conventional securement
bracket of the neck band.
[0034] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment
shown in FIG. 2D showing the pressure adjusting components moved to
an increased pressure position and with the focusing plate slightly
rotated.
[0035] FIG. 2F is an exploded view showing the front sides of the
pressure sensing component and pressure focusing plate, the
pressure gauge and computer module mounted to the pressure sensing
component, the leads and terminals electrically connecting the
sensor to the computer module, and the computer module leads routed
through a channel in the central post of the sensing component for
electrical communication with the battery.
[0036] FIG. 2G is an exploded view showing the rear sides of the
pressure sensing component and pressure focusing plate, the
computer module and sensor and its base mounted to the pressure
sensing component, and the Velcro securement strip on front surface
of the pressure focusing plate.
[0037] FIG. 2H is an elevated view showing the pressure focusing
plate secured to the rim of the pressure sensing component.
[0038] FIG. 2J is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2H taken along
line 2J-2J showing the pressure focusing plate received in and held
by the rim of the pressure sensing component with the pressure
button in linear alignment with the force-sensing sensor and
pressure adjusting post, and showing an enlarged view of the curved
surface of the central button engaging the flat surface of the
force-sensing sensor.
[0039] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a second automated
embodiment of the therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring
device used with a conventional neck band to apply pressure to the
esophagus of a patient to reduce gastric reflux.
[0040] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the second automated
embodiment showing its electrical motor secured to the battery and
threaded central post of the sensing component inside the chamber
of the pressure dial.
[0041] FIG. 4A is a third embodiment of therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring device used with a universal securement
bracket with the dial removed to show the battery and motor.
[0042] FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the third embodiment with its
universal securement bracket.
[0043] FIG. 5A is a front view of a fourth disc-shaped embodiment
of the therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device with a
disc-shaped housing.
[0044] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5A taken along
line 5B-5B showing its disc-shaped housing, internal pressure
sensing component and power supply, pressure focusing plate with
its central button, and cushion.
[0045] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view showing the pressure
adjusting components moved to an increased pressure position.
[0046] FIG. 5D is an exploded view of the fourth disc-shaped
embodiment showing its disc-shaped housing, pressure sensing
component with its internal power supply, computer module and
pressure gauge, pressure focusing plate with its central button and
Velcro fastener, and cushion.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the computer module and
pressure sensor of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring device and a monitoring system for
wireless communication with a cell phone, lap top computer, home
computer or printer, and in further communication with a computer
in the office of the treating physician via a wired or wireless
pathway or the cloud.
[0049] FIG. 8A is a view of a cell phone screen lined for the color
green and showing a pressure reading of 21 that is within a desired
pre-programmed pressure range.
[0050] FIG. 8B is a view of a cell phone screen lined for the color
red and showing a pressure reading of 45 that is outside of a
desired pre-programmed pressure range.
[0051] FIG. 9 is an illustrated view of a patient wearing
orthodontic headgear with a disc-shaped therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring device located behind a forehead bracket
of the headgear to monitor the pressure applied to the forehead,
and a second disc-shaped therapeutic pressure applicator and
monitoring device located behind a chin bracket to monitor the
pressure applied to the chin.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a cut away view of a helmet to fit onto the head
of a patient with a plurality of disc-shaped therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring devices located around the interior of
the helmet to adjust and monitor the pressure applied to the
head.
[0053] FIG. 11A is a rear perspective view of a back brace to fit
around the torso of a patient for spinal realignment treatment with
a plurality of disc-shaped therapeutic pressure applicator and
monitoring devices located along the back and sides of the brace to
adjust and monitor the pressure applied to the back and sides of
the patient.
[0054] FIG. 11B is a side perspective view of the back brace of
FIG. 11B.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, the drawings show and the specification describes
in detail preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be
understood that the drawings and specification are to be considered
an exemplification of the principles of the invention. They are not
intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0056] The present invention pertains to a long-term therapeutic
pressure applicator and monitoring device generally indicated by
reference numbers 100 and a real-time pressure monitoring system
generally represented by reference number 200 as shown in FIGS.
2-11. The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device 100
has a securing member or mechanism 101 to secure a pressure
adjusting mechanism 105 to the patient 5. Depending on the body
part involved, the securement member or mechanism 101 can take a
variety of forms. In a first embodiment, the therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring device 100 is secured to the neck 7 to
reduce esophageal reflux as in FIGS. 2A-J. The securing mechanism
101 is the conventional Reza neck band 11 used by the treating
physician to apply an approximate pressure to the patient that is
close to the desired pressure. As noted above, the band 11 has the
semi-flexible strap or securement bracket 12 with its central
recess 13, front and rear sides surfaces 14 and 15 and opening
17.
[0057] The pressure adjusting mechanism 105 adjusts the amount of
pressure applied to the body part of the patient 5 to obtain the
desired or prescribed pressure by the treating physician. As shown
in FIGS. 2C and 2E, the pressure adjusting mechanism 105 includes a
pressure adjusting dial 110, pressure sensing component 130,
pressure gauge 140, computer module 150, power supply 160, pressure
focusing plate 180 and cushion 190. As shown in FIG. 6, the
computer module 150 has an internal CPU 151, memory 152 and
transceiver 153 to obtain, store and transmit long-term, real-time
cushion pressure data 172. The pressure adjusting mechanism 105 has
a depth from the strap bracket 112 to the rear surface of the
cushion 190 of about 0.375 of an inch, which is substantially the
same as the depth of the Reza band 10.
[0058] The pressure adjusting dial 110 is formed by a knob 112 and
a base 122. The dial 110 is located on the front side 14 of
securement bracket 12 facing away from the body part. The knob 112
has a semi-circular outer shell 114 to form an interior chamber
115. The rear end of the knob 112 forms a rim 116 with inwardly
extending tabs 118. The dial 110 also has a circular base 122 that
is flushly and rotatably received by a circular recess 13 of the
strap bracket 12. The circular base 122 has a rear surface 123 and
a central opening 125 formed by a threaded sidewall 126. The rim
116 of the knob 112 is firmly joined to a rim 127 of the base 122.
The rim 127 of the base 122 has tabs 128 that mate with tabs 118 of
the knob 112 so that the knob and base rotate 129 in unison.
[0059] The pressure sensing component 130 is rigid and preferably
made of conventional Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic
with a tensile strength of 6,600 pounds per square inch (psi). The
dial 110 and sensing component 130 engage opposite sides of the
strap bracket 12. The sensing component 130 is located on the rear
side 15 of securing bracket 12 facing toward the body part. The
sensing component 130 has main body 131 with front and rear
surfaces 132 and 133 and a thickness of about 0.25 inches. The rear
surface 133 has a central recess 133a. The sensing component 130
and its main body 131 have a generally rectangular shape with a
length of about 1.625 inches and a height or width of about 1.25
inches, which are the same as the Reza band. An outer rearwardly
projecting tubular rim 134 with a length of about 0.1 of an inch
extends from the rear surface 133 around the perimeter of the main
body 131. The radial mounting rim or tubular perimeter rim 134 has
an end with an inwardly facing securement notch 134a that extends
around the circumference of the rim. The radial notch 134a has an
inwardly sloped or angled cross-sectional shape as best shown in
FIGS. 2D, 2E and 2J.
[0060] The pressure sensing component 130 has a central post or
stem 135 with a threaded sidewall 136 that extends from its front
surface 132. The forward extending stem 135 has a length of about
0.375 inches and a diameter of about 0.25 inches. The threaded stem
135 extends unobstructedly through the larger diameter, unthreaded
opening 17 in the strap bracket 12. The threaded sidewall 136 of
the stem 135 is in mating threaded engagement with the threaded
sidewall 126 forming the central opening 125 of the dial base 122.
The main body 131 has three openings. One opening is sized to
matingly receive a computer module and another opening is sized to
matingly receive a base of a force sensor. The third opening 131a
is used to rout the sensor leads as discussed below. The threaded
sidewall 136 has a relatively small cut away portion extending from
the top of the post 135 to its base to form a channel 136a for
routing the power supply 160 wires as discussed below.
[0061] The pressure sensing component 130 is rotationally fixed to
the strap bracket 12, and does not rotate with the pressure dial
110. The sensing component 130 has two forward extending mounting
or securement posts 137. The posts 137 extend from front surface
132, straddle the stem 135 and are generally parallel to the stem.
The posts 137 are flushly received by the anti-rotation slots 15a
of the strap bracket 12 to secure the sensing component 130 to the
dial bracket 12. The tips of the posts 137 are flared so that they
snap-fit into the slots 15a and do not become dislodged from the
slots during use. The posts 137 have shoulders 137a that form limit
stops for the retraction of the plate 130.
[0062] A battery hold down clip 138 is secured by a screw fastener
138a to the flat surface at the forward end or top of the stem 135.
The pressure adjusting dial 110 rotates about the threaded stem 135
to extend or retract the sensing component 130 along a linear path
of travel 139 between decreased and increased pressure positions
139a and 139b. The diameter of the clip 138 is larger than that of
the stem 135 and central opening 17 of the strap bracket 12 to form
a limit stop that prevents the overextension of the sensing
component 130 into the neck 7 of the patient 5. The channel 136a
and battery wires do not interfere with the rotatable threaded
engagement between the stem 135 and dial base opening 125, or the
longitudinal movement 139 of the sensing component 130 when the
dial 110 is rotated 129.
[0063] The pressure gauge 140 has a force-sensing sensor 141
configured to collect electrical data associated with the pressure
applied by the cushion to the patient. The sensor has a flat front
and rear surfaces 142 and 143. The sensor 141 is relatively thin
with a thickness of about 0.012 inches, and has a generally
circular sensing area 144 with a diameter of about 0.25 inches. The
front surface 142 of the sensor 141 is in flush engagement with the
rear surface 133 of the central recess 133a of the sensing
component 130. The sensing area 144 is centrally located on the
sensing component 130 and along the centerline 106 of the device
100.
[0064] The sensing area 144 includes electrically conductive spaced
input and output contacts that are electrically connected to input
and output sensor leads 145a and 145b. The sensor 141 is preferably
a force-sensing sensing resister, such as the Model FSR 400
manufactured by Interlink Electronics. The material between the
contacts of the sensor is preferably a polymer thick film (PTF)
that exhibits a decrease in electrical resistance when an increase
in force or pressure is applied to its surfaces 142 and 143. When a
force is applied to the rear surface 143 of the working area 144 of
the sensor 141, the material between the sensor contacts is
compressed against rear surface 133 of the sensing component 130.
The change in resistance continues as long as the force or pressure
is applied so that the sensor continually measures the force or
pressure being applied to the sensor. The change in resistance of
the material caused by the compression of the sensor 141 is
converted into an electrical output signal such as a change in
voltage or current. This sensor output signal includes focused
cushion pressure data 171.
[0065] The pressure gauge 140 has a base 146 to mount the sensor
141 to the main body 131 of the pressure sensing component 130. To
maintain the compact nature of the pressure applicator 100 and
adjusting device 105, the base 146 fits predominantly within the
main body 131 and does not extend beyond the forward edge of the
rim notch 134a as best shown in FIGS. 2G and 2J. The sensor leads
145a and 145b are in electrical communication with the spaced input
and output sensor contacts, respectively, travel through the recess
133a along the rear side 133 of the main body 131, and pass through
the base opening 131a. The input and output sensor leads 145a and
145b plug into and are in electrical communication with the input
and output terminals 147a and 147b of the base 146, respectively,
as shown in FIG. 2F. Base input and output terminals 147a and 147b
are in electrical communication with base input and output
terminals 148a and 148b, respectively. Similarly, base terminals
148a and 148b are in electrical communication with base input and
output leads 149a and 149b, respectively, to electrically connect
the sensor 141 to the computer module 150. The leads and terminals
145, 147, 148 and 149 are generally flush with the front surface
132 of the main body 131.
[0066] The computer module 150 has an integrated programmable
microcontroller or central processing unit (CPU) 151, memory 152
and transceiver 153 that are internal to the module as shown in
FIG. 6. These components are in electrical communication via its
internal circuitry. The processor 151 is programmed or otherwise
configured to provide the functionality described herein, and is
specifically programmed or configured to collect focused cushion
pressure data 171 from sensor 140, process that data into cushion
pressure data 172, store the data 171 and 172 in its memory 152,
and transmit the data 171 and 172 as a pressure data signal via
transceiver 153. The module 150 is preferably manufactured by LSR
as a compact TiWi-uB1 Bluetooth Smart module with a low-power 2.4
GHz Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE) System-on-Chip (SoC) with an integrated
microcontroller, embedded flash memory, and Texas Instruments
CC2541 transceiver with RF output power and dipole antennas with a
range of about 10 feet. The module 150 has a thickness of about
0.125 inches, and is generally rectangular in shape with a width of
0.5 inches and a length of 0.75 inches. Communications with other
devices via the transceiver 153 can be wireless, radio frequency
messages that provide the real-time cushion pressure data 172.
[0067] To maintain the compact nature of the pressure applicator
100 and adjusting device 105, the module 150 is mounted
predominantly within the main body 131 of the pressure sensing
component 130, and does not extend beyond the forward edge of the
rim notch 134a as best shown in FIGS. 2G and 2J. The module 150
includes module power input and output terminals 154 and 155 and
pressure gauge input and output terminals 156 and 157 as shown in
FIGS. 2B, 2F and 6. The module 150 also has additional input and
output terminals 158 and 159 for an optional automated embodiment
discussed below. The pressure gauge leads 149a and 149b are
connected to the input and output terminals 156 and 157,
respectively, so that the pressure gauge 140 is in electrical
communication with the computer module 150 and its CPU 151.
[0068] A battery 161 provides the power supply 160 to the computer
module 150 to operate the programmed CPU 151, transceiver 153 and
pressure gauge 140. The battery 161 is preferably a conventional
CR1025 lithium coin cell or button cell battery with a capacity of
about 30 mAh to provide a year of useful life for the device 100.
The coin-shaped battery 131 is located in the dial knob chamber
115, and is held by an electrical interface casing 162. The
securement prongs of the clip 138 secure both the battery 161 and
casing 162 to the clip. The battery 161 and casing 162 are held by
the clip 138 at the top of the stem 135. The clip 138, battery 161
and casing 162 remain rotationally fixed on the stem 135, and do
not rotate with the knob 112. The battery casing 162 has positive
and negative leads 163 and 164 connected to the positive and
negative terminals on the battery 161, respectively. The battery
161 can be replaced as needed by temporarily removing the knob 112
to access the battery. The battery 161 is in electrical
communication with the computer module 150 as shown in FIGS. 2E, 2F
and 6. The battery casing leads 163 and 164 extend from the
terminals 163a and 164a of the battery casing 162 in the dial knob
chamber 115, through the stem channel 136a and into engagement with
the positive and negative computer module terminals 154 and
155.
[0069] The computer module 150 uses the pressure gauge 140 to
gather long-term, real-time cushion pressure data 172. The CPU 151
is programmed to periodically send an input signal to the pressure
gauge 140 via leads and terminals 145a, 147a, 148a, 149a and 156.
Based on the real-time focused cushion pressure exerted on the
working area 144 of the sensor 141, the sensor sends an output
signal with real-time focused cushion pressure data 171 back to the
CPU 151 via leads and terminals 145b, 147b, 148b, 149b and 157. As
noted above and discussed more fully below, the pressure applied by
the cushion 190 to the rear surface of the pressure focusing plate
180 is focused or collected onto a small contact area or zone of
the button 185 actually pressing against the sensor 141, so that
the corresponding small contact area or zone of the sensor
experiences a much larger force or pressure than any one spot on
the cushion. The programming of the CPU 151 converts the focused
cushion pressure data 171 into real-time cushion pressure data 172
corresponding to the actual pressure between the cushion 190 and
the patient 5 at a given point in time. The CPU 151 is programmed
to add time and date information to the real-time cushion pressure
data 172 and continuously store that pressure data 172 in its
memory 152. The CPU 151 is programmed to format or otherwise
process the output signal data 171 obtained by the sensor 140 into
formatted real-time cushion pressure data 172 that is readily
received and processed by other devices 210 in the system 200. As
discussed below, the CPU 151 is further programmed to periodically
transmit the long-term, real-time pressure date data 172 stored in
its memory 152 via its transceiver 153 to an external device 210 in
the monitoring system 200.
[0070] The pressure focusing plate 180 is rigid and preferably made
of ABS plastic with a tensile strength of 6,600 psi. The plate 180
is thin and fits within the rim 154 of the pressure sensing
component 130. The focusing plate 180 has front and rear sides or
surfaces 182 and 183 and a perimeter 184. The plate 180 has a
generally rectangular shape with a width and a length substantially
equal to those of the main body 131. The rear surface 183 has a
surface area of about two square inches. The perimeter 184 has an
inwardly angled edge 184a. The focusing plate 180 snap fits into
secure engagement with the rim 134 of the sensing component 130.
The angled edge 184a is matingly received by the inwardly angled
notch 134a of the sensing component rim 134 around the entire
perimeter of the focusing plate 180 to secure the focusing plate to
the sensing component 130.
[0071] The sensing component 130 and sensing plate 180 are
structures to focus the forces distributed along the surface of the
cushion 190 onto a contact area of the sensor 141. The length and
depth of the angled notch 134a, the thickness of the focusing plate
180, and outward projection of the button 185 are sized so that
there is a gap G between the flat front surface 182 around the
perimeter 184 of the focusing plate 180 and the forward lip of the
notch 134a as shown in FIGS. 2E and 2J. The gap G extends
completely around the perimeter 184 of the pressure focusing plate
180 so that pressure exerted on the focusing plate 180 by the
cushion 190 is transmitted through the button 185, and is not
supported by the rim 134 of the control sensing component 130. The
front end of the notch 134a is in spaced planar or parallel
relation to the rear surface 133 of the main body 131 of the
sensing component 130. The notch 134a is spaced from the main body
rear surface 133 the so that the forward most point or apex 187 of
the curved button 185 engages the sensor 141 while maintaining the
perimeter gap G between the focusing plate 180 and the forward lip
of the sensing component notch 134a. The flared outer portion of
the rim 134 forming the notch 134a combines with the angled outer
edge 184a of the pressure focusing plate 180 to assist in
maintaining the engagement of the button 185 against the sensor 141
while maintaining the perimeter gap G around the plate 180.
[0072] The central button 185 of the pressure focusing plate 180 is
aligned over the working area 144 of the force-sensing sensor 141
as shown in FIGS. 2E and 2J. The front surface 186 of the button
185 has an outwardly curved or convex shape, preferably having a
uniform radius of 0.125 inches. The apex 187 of the curved surface
186 is preferably positioned to engage the middle of the sensor
141. The apex 187 of the button 185 is located at the center of the
focusing plate 185 and along the centerline 106 of the device 100.
The only part of the focusing plate 180 supporting the compression
load or pressure exerted by the cushion 190 on the neck 7 of the
patient 5 is the button 185, which presses against the force sensor
141 laying flat against the rear surface 143 of the pressure
sensing component 130. The load or pressure exerted by the cushion
190 across the rear surface 133 of the rigid focusing plate 180 is
focused or amplified into a larger load or pressure exerted by the
curved contact area 187a of the central button 185 onto the sensor
141. Naturally, the size of the button contact area 187a and the
size of the sensor contact area are the same.
[0073] The contact area 187a of the compressed sensor 141 around
the curved apex 187 button 185 is believed to be slightly curved
and small, and not merely point contact. While the gauge 140 is
stated to be a pressure gauge, it should be understood that the
sensor 141 measures the force or pressure applied by the contact
area 187a of the curved button surface 186 on the generally flat
sensor surface 143. The distributed pressure load applied by the
cushion 190 to the relatively large rear surface 183 of the
pressure focusing plate 180 is focused or amplified into a much
larger force or focused cushion pressure applied by the relatively
small contact area 187a of the curved button surface 186 onto the
compressed contact area of the surface 143 of the sensor 141.
[0074] Given the rounded shape of most parts of the human body, the
perimeter gap G of the focusing plate 180 is uniform around the
circumference of the mounting rim 134 in most securement situations
as shown in FIG. 2J. This is because the pressure exerted by the
cushion 190 across the rear surface 183 of the focusing plate 180
should be substantially evenly distributed relative the center 106
of the focusing plate 140. However, in situations where the
pressure exerted by the cushion 190 across the focusing plate 180
is not evenly distributed about the center 106 of the focusing
plate 180, such as by an anomaly in the body structure due to a
scar, cyst, or underlying bone or cartilage, then the curved
surface 186 of the button 185 is free to rock or rotate slightly to
a position 188 where the gap G around the perimeter of the focusing
plate 180 is not uniform as shown in FIG. 2E. Because the button
front surface 186 has a uniform curvature, the contact area 187a
between the button 185 and the working area 144 of the sensor 141
remains unchanged even with the rotation of the plate 180. Thus, a
shift in the pressure distribution relative to the centerline 106
of the device 100 and focusing plate 180 does not result in a
fluctuation in the pressure reading observed by the sensor 140. To
accommodate the rocking movement 188a of the focusing plate 180, a
small gap of about two millimeters (not shown) is provided between
the angled end surface 184a of the plate 180 and the angled surface
of the notch 134a.
[0075] The uniformly curved button surface 186 results in more
stable real-time cushion pressure readings 172 observed by the
sensor 140, device 100 and monitoring system 200. Although the
button 185 could have a flat raised surface with side edges, such a
structure could destabilize the real-time cushion pressure readings
172 observed by the sensor 140. Situations involving a shift in the
cushion pressure distribution across the focusing plate 180 so that
the pressure distribution is unevenly distributed about the
centerline 106, can result in the flat raised button 185 riding up
on its side edge. This would cause a significant contraction in the
contact area 187a between the button 185 and sensor 140, which
would result in the sensor 140 observing a false spike or increase
in real-time cushion pressure when only a shift in the cushion
pressure distribution about the center 106 occurred.
[0076] The cushion 190 has an outer woven fabric 192 and an inner
resilient foam material 193. The cushion 190 has front and rear
sides or surfaces 194 and 195, and is secured by a Velcro strip 196
to the rear surface 53 of the pressure focusing plate 180. The
cushion 190 is relatively soft or deformable and resilient, and its
foam material is preferably made of Neoprene SCE-41. The rear
surface 194 of the deformable and resilient cushion 190 conforms to
the shape of the body of the patient 5, and helps evenly distribute
the pressure applied across the rear surface 194 of the cushion 190
to alleviate uncomfortable pressure points between the device 100
and the soft tissue of the throat and neck 7, and helps keep the
pressure adjusting mechanism 105 properly positioned on the neck or
body. The pressure load is supported by and distributed across
front surface 195 of the cushion 190, which in turn transfers the
distributed pressure load to the rear surface 183 of the focusing
plate 180. The lengths and widths of the cushion 190, focusing
plate 180 and sensing component 130 are sized so that their outer
ends or perimeters are in aligned registry. The cushion 190,
pressure focusing plate 180 and its button 185, sensor 141 and its
working area 144, pressure sensing component 130 and its stem 135
and dial 110 of the pressure adjusting mechanism 105 are all
centrally aligned on and are generally symmetrical about the
central axis 106 of the device 100. The cushion 190 is removable so
it can be periodically washed or replaced during the long term use
of the applicator 100.
[0077] When the dial 110 is rotated 29 to increase the amount the
cushion 190 is compressed into the neck 7 or body of the patient 5,
the cushion pressure exerted on the body increases and this
increase is transmitted to the pressure focusing plate 180. The
pressure exerted by the cushion 190 on the patient 5 is transmitted
through the button 185 and sensor 141 to the pressure sensing
component 130, and to the securement mechanism 101, such as the
neck band 11 and bracket 12. As the real-time cushion pressure
exerted on the neck 7 changes due to the rotation of the dial 110
or swelling of the body, the real-time cushion pressure data 172
collected by the computer module 150 changes.
[0078] The treating physician secures the long-term therapeutic
pressure applicator 100 to the patient 5 in two steps. First, with
the clip 27 secured, the treating physician selectively positions
and secures the Velcro fastener 23 to achieve an approximate
pressure close to the desired pressure on the throat or esophagus
of the patient 5. This applied pressure is observed by the device
100 and transmitted to a corresponding device 200 with a display
screen 215. Second, the physician rotates 129 the pressure dial 110
to set the device 100 to the desired or prescribed pressure.
Rotating the pressure dial 110 in one direction increases pressure
on the esophagus by causing the threaded central stem 135, sensing
component 130 and pressure focusing plate 180 to move
longitudinally along a path of travel 139 away from the strap
bracket 12 and toward the neck 7 of the patent 5, and from a
decreased pressure position 139a to an increased pressure position
139b as shown in FIG. 1D. The semi-flexible strap bracket 12 flexes
to increase its curvature with the side posts 137 of the pressure
sensing component 130 remaining engaged in the slots 15a of the
strap bracket 12. Rotating the pressure dial 110 in an opposite
direction decreases pressure on the esophagus by causing the
threaded central stem 135, pressure sensing component 130 and
pressure focusing plate 180 to move longitudinally along the path
of travel 139 toward the strap bracket 12 and away from the neck 7
and into a decreased pressure position 139a as shown in FIG. 1C.
The strap bracket 12 flexes to decrease its curvature with the
posts 137 of the pressure sensing component 130 remaining engaged
in slots 15a of the strap bracket 12.
Monitoring System 200
[0079] The therapeutic pressure applicator and monitoring device
100 and monitoring systems 200 are shown in FIG. 7. The computer
module 150 of the monitoring device 100 contains identifying
information or ID information 150a that both identifies the
specific device and identifies it as a device that wants to send
real-time pressure data 172. The CPU 153 of the module 150 is
programmed to periodically send signals via its transceiver 153 to
a cooperating device 210, such as the cell phone 211 of the
patient, a personal home computer 212, printer 213 or laptop
computer 214. The office of the treating physician also has a
cooperating device 210. Each cooperating devices 210 has an
internal programmable microprocessor 219 connected by internal
circuitry to a memory, monitor or visual display screen 215,
transceiver, user interface or keyboard, and internal or external
power source. The cooperating device 210 also includes an audible
alarm, and its monitor 215 is capable of displaying information
against different colored backgrounds such as a green background
217 or red background 218. Each cooperating device 210 also
contains identifying information or ID information 210a that both
identifies the specific device and identifies it as a device that
wants to receive the real-time pressure data 172. The processor 219
of each cooperating device 200 is programmed or otherwise
configured to provide the functionality described herein, and is
specifically programmed or configured to receive pressure data 171
and 172 from transceiver 153, compare the cushion pressure data 172
to a desired pressure range criteria, store the data 171 and 172 in
its memory, and activate an alarm when the cushion pressure data
171 and 172 is outside the desired pressure range criteria.
[0080] The processor 219 of the monitoring device 100 is programmed
or otherwise configured to periodically send a request signal 221
containing its ID information 150a looking for the cooperating
devices 210. When the cooperating device 210 receives the request
signal 221, its processor 219 is programmed or otherwise configured
to respond by sending a response signal 222 containing its ID
information 210a. When the programmed CPU 151 of the module 150 of
the monitoring device 100 receives the response signal 222 and ID
information 210a, and the CPU 151 is configured to identify the
cooperating device 210 as being a cooperating device 210, the
module 150 is programmed or configured to send a data signal 225
via its transceiver 153 with real-time cushion pressure data 172
stored in its memory 152, and store the ID information 210a in its
memory 152 with time/date information to log the transmission 225.
Similarly, when the CPU 219 of the cooperating device 210 received
the data signal 225 and module ID information 150a, and its
processor is programmed or otherwise configured to identify the
module 150, and then use the real-time cushion pressure data 172 to
display the real-time pressure on its monitor 211, and store the ID
information 150a and pressure data information 172 in its memory
with additional time/date information to log its receipt of the
transmission 225. This signal cycle repeats at the periodical time
periods for as long as the module 150 and cooperating device 210
remain in communication.
[0081] The cooperating device 210 is programmed or otherwise
configured to display the real-time pressure data 172 on its screen
or monitor 215. When the device 210 determines that the real-time
pressure data 172 received by the signal 225 is within
predetermined range criteria of the prescribed pressure, its
programming has the monitor display the real-time pressure data
with a green colored background 216 to advise the patient that the
real-time pressure is within the prescribed pressure range criteria
as shown in FIG. 8A. When the CPU 219 of the device 210 determines
that the real-time pressure data 172 is outside the predetermined
range criteria for the prescribed pressure, its programming has the
monitor 215 display the real-time pressure data 172 against a red
217 background to alert the patient that the real-time pressure is
outside the prescribed pressure range criteria as shown in FIG. 8B.
The CPU 219 of the device 200 is also programmed or otherwise
configures to activate its audible alarm when the real-time
pressure data 172 is outside the prescribed pressure range
criteria.
[0082] The CPU 219 of the cooperating device 210 is also programmed
or otherwise configured to send a physician signal 232 to the
office 230 of the treating physician. The cooperating device 210
sends the physician signal 232 via a land line, wireless line or
the cloud. The programming of the cooperating device 210 sends the
physician signal 232 when the real-time pressure data 172 is
outside the prescribed pressure range criteria or deviates from a
predetermined amount from the prescribed pressure, or at
predetermined intervals, such as once a day, week, month, etc. In
this way, the treating physician is kept aware that the patient is
continuing to use the device 100, the ongoing real-time pressure
data 172 observed by the device 100, and when the real-time
pressure data is outside a prescribed pressure range criteria.
During office visits by the patient to the treating physician, the
device 100 can communicate directly with the cooperating device 210
and CPU 219 located at the treating physician office, which has
been programmed or otherwise configured to perform the
functionality described.
Automated Applicator Embodiment 300
[0083] An automated embodiment of the therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring device 300 is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
The automated device 300 automatically adjusts the pressure applied
to the neck 5 of the patient 5 so that the applied pressure is at a
specific predetermined pressure or within a specific predetermined
pressure range. The applicator 300 has a securing mechanism 101 in
the form of the conventional neck band 11, and many of the
components of the pressure adjusting mechanism 305 of the
applicator 300 are interchangeable with the pressure adjusting
mechanism 105 of the manually applicator 100. The pressure
adjusting mechanism 305 of the automated applicator 300 has the
same pressure sensor sensing component 130, sensor 140, computer
module 150, power supply 160, pressure focusing plate 180 and
cushion 190 as the manual applicator 100. The pressure dial 310 and
programming of the CPU 151 of the automated applicator 300 are
modified to incorporate a small electric motor 365 to automatically
rotate the pressure dial 310 to maintain the applied pressure at
the prescribed pressure or within a specific predetermined pressure
range of the prescribed pressure.
[0084] The pressure adjusting dial 310 of the automated applicator
300 uses the same knob 112 as in applicator 100, but has a modified
base 322. The base 322 has the same flat rear surface 123, central
opening 125 with a threaded sidewall 126 as in applicator 100, so
that the rotation 129 of the dial 310 inwardly or outwardly moves
the pressure sensing component 130 and focusing plate 180 along the
linear path of travel 139 between increased and decreased pressure
positions 139a and 139b. The base 322 has a modified rim 327 with a
inside wall 328 having geared teeth around its circumference. The
electric motor 365 is fixed at a stationary location inside the
chamber 115 of the pressure dial 310. The motor 365 is preferably
mounted by a clip 366 to the battery 161 and its casing 162, which
are fixed on the non-rotating stem 135 of the pressure sensing
component 130. The drive shaft of the motor 365 has a toothed
sprocket 367 that drivingly mates and is in rotatable driving
engagement with the gear teeth of the base sidewall 328.
[0085] The motor 365 is in electrical communication with the power
supply 160 via the computer module 150 and its programmed CPU 151.
The motor 365 has input and output leads 368 and 369. These leads
368 and 369 are routed through the channel 136a in the stem 135 and
along the front surface 132 of the pressure sensing component 130
to motor input and output terminals 158 and 159 of the computer
module 150. When the programmed CPU 151 detects that the real-time
pressure data 172 is above or below the programmed prescribed
pressure or prescribed pressure range, the programmed CPU sends
electrical power to activate the motor 365 to rotate its drive
sprocket 367 clockwise or counterclockwise depending on whether the
real-time pressure data is above or below the prescribed pressure
or prescribed pressure range. The rotation of the sprocket 367
drivingly rotates 129 the base 322 and knob 112 of the pressure
adjusting dial 310 clockwise or counterclockwise, and moves the
pressure sensing component 130 and focusing plate 180 inward or
outward along a linear path of travel 139 to a decreased or
increased pressure position 139a or 139b until the real-time
pressure data equals the prescribed pressure or is within the
prescribed pressure range.
Universal Bracket Embodiment 400
[0086] An embodiment of the therapeutic applicator 400 with a more
universal securement mechanism is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The
applicator 400 has the same pressure adjusting mechanism 305 as in
the automated applicator 300, but the securing mechanism 401 is in
the form of a universal securing bracket 402. The bracket 402 has a
central recess 403, front and rear surfaces 404 and 405, a central
opening 407 and opposed lateral ends 408. The rear surface 405 of
the strap bracket 402 has two spaced slots 415a. The common center
of the central recess 403 and opening 407 forms a centerline 409
for the applicator 400. A strap (not shown) or some other form of
fastener is secured to each of those lateral ends 408 to secure the
device 400 to the body of a patient 5.
Disc-Shaped Applicator Embodiment 500
[0087] A disc-shaped embodiment of the therapeutic pressure
applicator and monitoring device 500 is shown in FIGS. 5A-D. The
disc or puck shaped device 500 is used with medical pressure
therapy gear 501 worn by the patient 5, such as the orthodontic
headgear 502, helmet 503 or back brace 504 shown in FIGS. 9-11.
When the pressure applicator and monitoring device 500 is used with
orthodontic head gear 502, the securement mechanism 101 is
preferably a Velcro fastener or adhesive 504 that secures the
applicator to the forehead and chin bands of the orthodontic
headgear. Alternately, when used with a rigid or semi-rigid helmet
503 or back brace 504, the device 500 is sized to snuggly and
firmly fit into a cooperating circular opening or recess 506 formed
in the helmet or back brace, or a Velcro fastener (not shown) can
also be used to secure the device 500 in the recess 506.
[0088] The pressure adjusting mechanism 510 of the disc-shaped
device 500 has a central axis 511 and a rigid, disc-shaped housing
520 as shown in FIG. 5A. The housing has a generally flat circular
front plate 521 with front and rear surfaces 522 and 523, and a
rearwardly extending tube or sidewall 524 extending around the
perimeter of the plate 521 as shown in FIGS. 5B-D. The tube 524 has
a threaded inner surface 524a and a uniform diameter along its
length. The housing 520 is firmly and non-rotationally secured by
the Velcro strip 505 or otherwise fixed in the cooperating opening
506 to the medical gear 500. The threaded housing tube 524 allows
for relative rotational movement 529 of the other components as
discussed below.
[0089] The pressure sensing component 530 of the disc-shaped device
500 is rigid and preferably made of ABS plastic. The sensing
component 530 has a main body 531 with generally flat front and
rear surfaces 532 and 533 and a thickness of about 0.5 inches as
shown in FIGS. 5B-D. The sensing component 530 and its main body
531 have a generally circular shape with a diameter of about 1.0
inch. A tubular shaped outer structure 534 having a length of about
0.5 inches extends around the perimeter of the main body 131. The
outer rim 534 has a threaded outer surface 534a and a uniform
diameter along its length so that it flushly engages and threadably
mates with threaded inner surface 524a of the housing 520. The
outer tube 534 has a forward extending tube portion 535 with a
length of about 0.25 inches, and a rearwardly extending rim portion
536 with a length of about 0.25 inches. The forward tube portion
535 forms a chamber 537 that encloses its internal components, and
has an end or tip 537a that forms a limit stop to prevent the
sensing component from being over-rotated and crushing its internal
components. The rearward rim portion 536 has an end with an
inwardly facing securement notch 136a that extends around the
circumference of the tubular rim 534. The notch 536a has an
inwardly sloped or angled cross-sectional shape.
[0090] The pressure sensing component 530 has two spaced central
posts 537a that extend from its front surface 532. The battery
securement clip 138 is secured to the posts by an adhesive or some
other form of fastener. The main body 131 has three openings. One
opening is sized to matingly receive a computer module. A second
opening is sized to matingly receive a base of a force sensor. A
third opening 131a is used to route the sensor 141 leads from the
front 532 of the main body 531 to the rear 533 of the main
body.
[0091] The pressure gauge 140, computer module 150 and power supply
160 are the same as in the first embodiment 100. The focusing plate
580 and cushion 590 are the same as the focusing plate 140 and
cushion 190 of the first embodiment except that they are round to
correspond to the round shapes of the housing 510. In this
embodiment, the housing 510, sensing component 530, focusing plate
580 and cushion 590 are all disc-shape when viewed from the front
and all have a center aligned with the centerline 511 of the device
500.
[0092] The pressure sensing component 530 is threadably fixed to
the housing 510 to allow rotational movement 529 of the sensing
component 530 relative to the housing 510, which results in a
linear movement 539 of the sensing component 530, focusing plate
580 and cushion 590. The rotation of the housing 510 in one
direction relative to the sensing component 530 causes linear
movement 539 of the rear plate 521 of the housing 510 relative to
the main body 531 of the sensing component 530, as well as the
focusing plate 580 and cushion 590. This movement 539 cause the
sensing component 530, focusing plate 580 and cushion 590 to move
between a retracted decreased pressure position 539a and an
extended increased pressure position 539b, which results in the
compression or decompression of the cushion as shown in FIGS. 5B
and 5C. As discussed above, the increased compression of the
cushion 590 increases the pressure exerted by the cushion on the
focusing plate 180 as in FIG. 5C, which increases the force or
pressure exerted by the front surface 186 of the focusing plate
button 185 on the contact area of the rear surface 143 of the
sensor 141. The reduced compression of the cushion 590 reduces the
pressure exerted by the cushion on the focusing plate 180 as in
FIG. 5B.
[0093] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the broader aspects of the
invention.
* * * * *